A new year means a chance to refocus and set new goals for ourselves. While we all have every intention of living up to the lofty resolutions we set for ourselves, sometimes life can get in the way! Here are a few realistic tips that will help you look better and feel better this year, past the first week of January and beyond!

Get real

It's the most common resolution and usually the first to go: exercise. But this year get real by resolving to just exercise more. Instead of getting overwhelmed with a strict schedule to start, make a commitment to yourself to exercise more than you are right now. You can expand from there!

Protect yourself

Dust your (ends) off

Trim hair AS NEEDED. Some swear by trims every 6-8 weeks, but examine your ends and determine how often a trim is necessary. Also, let go of the word “trim,” sometimes only a light “dusting” is needed.

Learn to trust

Read me

Find the products that works for your specific hair type. With a bit of research you can avoid making purchases you'll regret. Good news, if you're reading this article on NaturallyCurly.com, then you're halfway there! Not only will your locks look better, but your bank account will too.

Break free

There's no better time to get out of your rut and experiment with new styles, whether it’s clothes, makeup, or our personal favorite — hair!

Try it, you'll like it

Try something new regularly. This can be anything small and simple. From a food item you wouldn’t normally eat or a form of entertainment (music, TV, book, or movie) that you’ve never experienced before.

Sleep right

Use a satin pillow case, silk scarf, or satin bonnet every night to help prevent breakage and split ends - not to mention it makes your nightly snooze feel a bit more luxe!

Drink up

Drink more water. The benefits are endless, the work is minimal. Keep a large bottle of water on your desk at work and refill throughout the day.

Words of kindness

Don’t be stingy with the compliments. Not only will you brighten up someone else’s day, you’ll feel better too! See a woman with a great head of hair? Tell her so!

Out with the old

Clean out your makeup and beauty product stash! If it smells weird/different or has changed color or texture, throw it out (don't forget to recycle!). If you haven’t worn it in a while or if you purchased it but it doesn’t work for you, gift it to a friend or relative. Host a beauty swap party with your besties, or look into local women’s charities that accept donations of gently used products.

Give thanks

Take a moment to regularly reflect on the good in your life. Make a list of the things that you are grateful for so that when are having a bad moment (as they will happen), you can remember the positive things you have going for you. Don't forget to include your curls on that list!